Is the Great American Teacher Dead?

My life has been full of amazing teachers. I started learning since I was born, my mom was the greatest teacher I ever meet. Then years of Elementary and Secondary school in Mexico followed, I’m so grateful for every teacher in my life. They inspired me to choose this career. That being said, I have to recognize that at some point in my life I sat at a boring class, full of disappointment and lack of inspiration. Now that I’m preparing to be an EFL teacher I can’t help but wonder HAVE I EVER DO THAT TO MY STUDENTS?

The author of the article Is the Great American Teacher Dead? says “Education is more than just exposing people to the facts” and I agree, but more importantly I realize that there is an urgent need for passionately, positive, inspiring, inviting, meaningful and transformative teaching. Perhaps as teachers we forget from time to time what is that brought us here. I once heard a colleague saying that teaching is the most exhausting career a person could choose, and perhaps it is true (especially with children) but the opportunities we have to make the world better are infinite, and this gives me hope that we can “resurrect the great American teacher”

Hopefully the article in question (highly recommended) give us some things to consider as we try our best to be great teachers. I would like to discuss two points: transformative and invitational education. 

Transformative Education

"We are left with the feeling that life will not be as it was before, that this experience has created a sense that we cannot go back to the way we were before the experience"

According to the text the previous quote describes transformative education. How amazing! Sometimes, as teachers, we forget how much we can change the world one student at the time, but If this is going to happen we need to be more creative. We have a complete universe full of technology tools that, when used properly, may encourage reflection and action. Creativity, I believe is the foundation of transformative education. If we want our students to get out from class with a feeling of greatness and ready to apply what they just learned, we need to change the way we deliver our “message” and we must use different ways to do it.

 Invitational Education

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, can become great.”

I work with children who experience academic delay. I remember when Sophie came to me, she is an 8-year-old girl who came because of her low grades. My work was to teach her study skills, but Sophie knew that already. I realize she just needed someone who trust her. Every child or student has the potential to be an A’s students, not just in the sense of grades but in life. We are in need of teachers who dare to believe their students have greatness.

After a tiny amount of trust in her abilities, Sophie became the first of her class.

The great American teacher isn’t dead, we as teachers just need to remember the real reason we choose this career. We can resurrect the great American teacher if we put a little more effort in the delivery, and if we remember how great each child can be.